Avian Influenza (bird flu) update 23 May 2024

Please be aware that Agriculture Victoria has updated their website with information about the Avian Influenza investigation. Please read below.

Current situation – 23 May 2024

We are investigating poultry deaths at an egg farm near Meredith.

Diagnostic testing at CSIRO’s Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness at Geelong has confirmed H7N3 high pathogenic avian influenza.

The strain of the virus is H7N3  . This is different from the H5 avian influenza strain that's impacting the USA and other parts of the world, however we're still taking immediate action to stamp it out because of the risks it poses.

The property has been placed into quarantine and our staff are on-the-ground to support the business and investigate further.

We have also implemented movement controls around the infected premises.

Any suspicion of an emergency animal disease (EAD) should be immediately reported to the 24-hour EAD Hotline on 1800 675 888 or to your local vet.

While cases among humans in direct contact with animals infected with highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses are possible, the current risk to the public remains low. Find out more about avian influenza in humans from the BetterHealth Channel.